Research has shown that hypertension affects more than 30% of the adult population worldwide, more than one billion people around the world. hypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary heart disease and stroke, but also for chronic kidney disease, heart failure, arrhythmia and dementia.
World Hypertension Day is observed in May, to stress the need for increasing awareness about the “silent killer” and helping people realize that it is a preventable and controlled condition. Some of the common causes of Hypertension in young people are stress levels, obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits
Prolonged hypertension, also known as, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for severe medical conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and even dementia. Conscious lifestyle modifications and medications can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of health complications.
History and significance
This awareness day was launched on on May 14, 2005, The World Hypertension League has been dedicating 17th May of every year as World Hypertension Day ever since 2006. While the inaugural theme in 2005 was ‘Awareness of high blood pressure’, in 2006 it was ‘Treat to goal’ and through different themes each year, the WHL intends to not only raise awareness about hypertension but also of its factors and prevention methods since it affects more than 30% of the adult population worldwide which accounts for more than one billion people around the world.
#ItsWolrdHypertensionDay
Theme for this year: Measure your blood pressure, control it, live longer!